A Chihuahua mine has resumed operations after a partial shutdown due to security concerns.

The Canadian mining company Pan American Silver said increased patrols on access roads by authorities had improved the security situation at the Dolores mine, allowing transportation of diesel fuel, cement and other supplies to the mine.

Workers at the silver and gold mine had been warned by allegedly criminal elements not to travel on the road that connects the mine in Madera with Yepachi, Sonora.

The company said it would increase the use of its private landing strip to move people to and from the mine site until the situation returns to normal.

The firm thanked the federal and state governments for their support and quick response in restoring safety on the access roads and said it was committed to continuing to work with them.

The slowdown in operations affected underground and open-pit mining and leach pad expansion, the company said, but production of silver and gold continued at normal rates due to a large reserve of ore stockpiles.

As a result, Pan American does not expect the partial shutdown to have an effect on 2018 production.

The state Attorney General’s office said it will maintain patrols around the Dolores mine to ensure the safety of mine personnel.

Source: Zócalo (sp)